Heroism of the Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Love in the Light of the Beatification Process of the Servant of God, Rev. Aleksander Woźny

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present the heroic character of theological virtues in the light of the beatification process of Rev. Aleksander Woźny, launched on January 25, 2014 in the Archdiocese of Poznań. The whole Positio super vita, virtutibus et fama sanctitatis. Posnaniesis beatificationis et canonisationis Servi Dei Alexandri Woźny sacerdotis dioecesiani (1910-1983) was elaborated to provide an objective judgment of theological consultors, and subsequently, of the ordinary congregation of cardinals and bishops of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. The wealth of available sources concerning the candidate for the altars in the form of his teaching, letters and memories allowed to pose the question whether in the life and teaching of Rev. Aleksander Woźny, the practice of faith, hope and love towards God and towards one’s neighbour was proven to be heroic, and therefore whether it is possible to form an opinion about the sanctity of the Servant of God. This study presents the theological virtues that the Servant of God excelled in in his life. The above research problem was elaborated on the basis of substantive study and thorough analysis of the collected documentation, which is reflected in this article.

Keywords

• beatification process
• theological virtues
• heroic virtues
• faith
• hope
• love